A spectacular pink supermoon is set to light up skies above Edinburgh next week.
The Full Pink Moon will be at its biggest and brightest early on the morning of Tuesday, April 27 – with experts predicting its peak to arrive in the early hours – around 4.30am. According to the moonrise and moonset calculator, the moonrise will be at 7.50pm on Monday, April 26, with moonset around 6.06am on Tuesday.
The phenomenon occurs when the full moon is within 90 per cent of perigee – it's closest approach to Earth. As reported by the Daily Record, the four full moons from March to June are considered supermoons, however April's may well be the one closest to Earth.
In previous years spectators have seen the full moon appearing around 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than the standard full moon.
What will the weather be like in Edinburgh?
Unfortunately, the current Met Office forecast suggests we may see some cloud across Edinburgh in the early hours of Tuesday. However things are likely to be clear on Monday evening, so the longer that sticks around the better – and of course, forecasts can change very quickly.
Larger, almost-full moons will be visible in the days immediately before and after Tuesday's event, so there should be plenty of opportunity to catch the spectacular sight in skies above the city.
We'll aim to bring you another update on the weather outlook closer to the time of the supermoon's arrival.
Why is it called a 'Pink Moon'?
Well, it won't actually be pink in colour. The name has a lot to do with the fact the moon signals the "coming of spring".
The name comes from the Phlox subulata, a wildflower native to eastern North America. The flower is also known as the "moss pink" and it blooms early in the spring.
The term 'supermoon' is said to have been first used by an astrologist in 1979.
We at Edinburgh Live would love to see your supermoon pictures. Feel free to send them in to news@edinburghlive.co.uk, or drop us a message on social media.
